Robert L. “Rob” Beck

Robert L. “Rob” Beck, 86, of Galena, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Prairie Ridge in Galena. A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Prairie Ridge, followed by a reception until 4 PM. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Rob was born on December 29, 1938, in Hackensack, NJ, to Harry and Sophie (Kazmierczak) Beck. He attended Seton Hall University, where he studied history and accounting, and later enrolled at Fordham University School of Law. After graduating, he obtained bar admissions in New York, Texas, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Supreme Court. On August 31, 1957, Rob married his wife of sixty-seven years and high school girlfriend, Elizabeth Ogden. He worked for several law firms and companies throughout his career, including Gibney, Anthony, and Ferguson Law, KDI, Weatherhead Corporation, and National Gypsum. Rob was heavily involved in community service, serving on various boards and receiving numerous awards for his dedication. He was active in the Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver Award. Later in life, he served as President of MADD, CEO of the US Soccer Foundation, and board member of the CDC. In his leisure time, Rob enjoyed fly fishing, kayaking, exploring Civil War history, and participating in wine tastings and the Rotary. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; three daughters, Jean (John) Carlson, Christina Beck, and Emily (Michael) Groebner; He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Mike, Sarah, Theo, Anna, Joe, Lenny, Joshua, and Emma; one great-grandson, Leo; and a sister-in-law, Jeanne Greene. Rob was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Joseph and Bette Ogden, a son, R. Michael Beck, and his fiancée Lori Pfann, triplet grandchildren, Sophia, David, and Joseph, and brother-in-law Ken Greene. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dubuque. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the entire staff at Prairie Ridge for their kindness and care, and to Jessica, Ryan, and Michelle of Hospice of Dubuque.